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Best 120V Electric Vehicle Chargers

Our expert-curated selection of the best 120V electric vehicle chargers includes only the most trusted models on the U.S. market today – we recommend them to first-time EV owners, renters, or anyone needing a portable, plug-and-charge solution.

Electric Vehicle Geek Most Popular 120V EV Chargers

We’ve tested more EV chargers than anyone – so you don’t have to. Shop the top-rated 120V EV chargers of 2025 for reliable charging at home, work, or on the go.

Best in Safety Standards

Dual-Level Charging Flexibility

Best in Premium Features

Features an LCD Display

Best in Budget Performance

Energy Star Certified for Efficiency

See All 120V Electric Vehicle Chargers

Shop the Best 120V EV Chargers – Backed by Expert Reviews. Compare Top Picks, including J1772 and NACS options, and find the perfect fit for reliable home charging.

What is a 120V EV Charger?

A 120V EV charger – also known as a Level 1 charger – plugs into a standard household outlet and delivers 1.0 to 1.9 kW of power, typically adding 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. It draws 8 to 16 amps from a 120V circuit and is best suited for overnight charging, plug-in hybrids, or light daily EV use. With no special installation required, it’s a low-cost, convenient solution for both home and portable EV charging.

How Fast Does a 120V EV Charger Charge?

The charging speed of 120V EV chargers depends on your vehicle’s battery size and the charger’s amperage output. On average, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can reach a full charge in 6–10 hours using a 120V EV charger. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) typically add about 3–5 miles of range per hour. This makes 120V charging well-suited for overnight charging or topping off your vehicle throughout the day.

Whether you drive a Tesla, Jeep, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Chevy Bolt, or any other EV, a 120V charger is great for slow, trickle charging at home or on the go. However, if you want faster charging speeds, we recommend upgrading to a 240V EV charger – provided your home electrical system supports 240V circuits.

Why Choose a 120V EV Charger?

While 240V Level 2 chargers get most of the spotlight, there are several compelling reasons why a 120V Level 1 charger might be the best fit for your lifestyle:

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

No electrician. No panel upgrades. Just plug it into a standard outlet and start charging. Great for renters and those in older homes without 240V wiring.

Ideal for PHEV Owners

If you drive a plug-in hybrid like the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Toyota Prius Prime, Ford Escape PHEV, or Honda Clarity, a 120V EV charger provides overnight charging without overkill.

Portability for Travel or Backup

Lightweight and compact, most 120V EV chargers fit easily in your trunk. Use it on the go or keep it as a backup in case your primary charging station gets lost or stops working.

Budget-Friendly

120V EV chargers are typically more affordable than 240V EV chargers. They’re an excellent entry point into EV ownership without additional installation costs.

What Are the Electrical Requirements for a 120V EV Charger?

A 120V EV charger operates on a 120V single-phase circuit protected by a dedicated single-pole 15A or 20A EV charger breaker. It connects to standard NEMA 5-15 or NEMA 5-20 120V outlets, commonly found in residential settings. 120V EV charger circuit wiring typically uses 14 AWG (for 15A) or 12 AWG (for 20A) solid copper conductors, as illustrated in the 120V EV charger circuit wiring diagram below.

A wiring diagram titled '120V EV Charger Circuit Wiring Diagram,' illustrating hot, neutral, and ground connections for NEMA 5-15 and 5-20 outlets. The diagram shows an Electrical Panel on the left. Incoming power lines L1 (Hot 1, 120V, black wire), L2 (Hot 2, 120V, red wire), and N (Neutral, grey wire) enter the panel. A 'Main Panel Breaker' is at the top. Below it, a 'Dedicated EV Charger 120V Single Pole Circuit Breaker' (rated 15A to 20A, depending on the 120V EV charger current rating) is shown. One hot wire (red) connects from this dedicated breaker and extends rightwards. A G (Ground Busbar) is connected to a Ground Rod leading to Ground/Earth. A green ground wire extends from this busbar towards the outlet. A Neutral Busbar is also present, with the incoming Neutral wire connecting to it. A white/grey neutral wire extends from this busbar towards the outlet. Electrical bonding between the ground and neutral busbars is indicated. Above the wires leaving the panel, a small inset image shows a hand pulling wires through a '1 - 1/4" conduit'. Three wires (red hot, white/grey neutral, green ground) are grouped and labeled 'To EV charger (current flow)', passing through a junction box before leading to a yellow rounded rectangle labeled '120V NEMA Outlet'. Text below these wires states: '(120V EV Charger Circuit Wire Sizing) 12 amps 120V EV Charger 14 AWG copper wire; 16 amps 120V EV Charger 12 AWG copper wire'. Two types of 120V NEMA outlets are detailed around the central yellow box: (120V NEMA 5-15P Outlet) (above the yellow box) showing a standard 3-prong receptacle. Specifications: '12A 120V EV Charger, 14 AWG Copper Wire, 15A Single Pole Dedicated Circuit Breaker'. (120V NEMA 5-20P Outlet) (below the yellow box) showing a receptacle with one T-shaped slot. Specifications: '16A 120V EV Charger, 12 AWG Copper Wire, 20A Single Pole Dedicated Circuit Breaker'. To the right, an icon of an EV charger plug is depicted, connected to the outlet concept. Text above the plug states: '(12A to 16A) 120V EV Charger'. Text below notes: '120V EV Charger's current draw must not exceed 80% of the dedicated circuit breaker's capacity'. Text at the bottom right reads: 'Single Phase 120V & 240V Distribution and Panel Wiring (US-NEC)'.

For safe and code-compliant installation, proper wire sizing, breaker selection, grounding, and use of industrial-grade NEMA outlets are essential. A 120V EV charger branch circuit must follow the NEC 80% continuous load rule, limiting charging to 12A on a 15A circuit or 16A on a 20A circuit. Adhering to these standards ensures reliable and safe home charging.

Why Choose Us?

Charge Simply. Drive Confidently.

Upgrade your EV routine with a dependable 120V EV charger – perfect for overnight EV charging, daily top-offs, and plug-in hybrids. Explore our curated collection and find the safest, most convenient way to trickle charge at home or on the go.

You’ve Got 120V Electric Vehicle Charger Questions, We’ve Got Answers.

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